How do you justify buying from a breeder instead of rescuing a mutt?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a fascinating thread. The disconnect seems to be between people who have dogs because dogs need a home versus people who have dogs because they want a dog.

I wonder if the rescue camp would be okay with breeders if there were no more rescue dogs?

Personally, this thread has confirmed for me that I am ethically fine with our decision to buy a dog from a small breeder because we knew we wanted puppy and a certain kind. I looked at some nearby shelters and did not see any dogs that would suit our preferences, and do not have an overarching sense of responsibility to "save" the dogs.

Even the people who do dog rescue have found a way to turn it into a profit-making industry. Not that people are getting rich off of it, but it is being sustained by the same economic forces as any other commodity people desire. So rescue dogs will always exist, as long as someone can make a little money off of them.

+1 Look at the direct connection between rescues and auctions. This is of course something the crazy pro-rescue people on this thread won't acknowledge, but it's been reported on and is well-known. Rescues create a market for puppy mills and auctions.

[Anonymous]

I’m not reading 25 pages ATM, but I justify it because I want predictable temperament and breed qualities. We waited for years for both of our purebred dogs (and paid

This is the same as asking people why they don’t buy a Honda Fit or an electric vehicle.

That being said, I agree with this for mixes. I don’t care what f# you think your doodle is, you need to back up health feasting, temperament, etc.

[Anonymous]

Wow, the mental gymnastics that people jump through to try and justify spending thousands of dollars for a purebred dog from a breeder just amaze me. Can someone at least be honest here and admit that they want the designer "pomopoo", "goldendoodle", "cockapoo" flavor of the week dog because they are "so cute".

[Anonymous]

Not going to read the thread either, but I would justify it by having the breed before, but getting it thanks to my ignorance what breeding entails, and the buying into it second time.
My sister bought a Rotweiler and had to have his knees fixed right away. Beautiful dog, but it was already who knows how many generations of sister and brothers being bred.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wow, the mental gymnastics that people jump through to try and justify spending thousands of dollars for a purebred dog from a breeder just amaze me. Can someone at least be honest here and admit that they want the designer "pomopoo", "goldendoodle", "cockapoo" flavor of the week dog because they are "so cute".

No gymnastics here - our reasoning for buying a golden doodle is straightforward - they are "so cute" and are generally good natured and non-shedding. And we're looking a puppy so we can train him and have him be a part of our family for many years to come (hopefully).

I'd be happy to get one for free too - but that doesn't seem to be an option.

[Anonymous]

https://thebolditalic.com/the-7-kinds-of-dog-shaming-we-see-in-san-francisco-the-bold-italic-san-francisco-95db51a22577

[Anonymous]

It is really a pretty complicated issue. I seriously contemplated getting a purebred puppy recently, despite always rescuing in the past. I was interested in getting a German Shepherd and good breeding is really important for temperament with a GSD. Ultimately I decided I do want to raise a puppy while my kids are still so young, on top of a full time job. So I started looking at rescue again and have applied to adopt a very sweet dog who has been living with a foster who has a ton of knowledge about her. She is absolutely gorgeous too, and looks a lot like my last dog, a Catahoula mix.

But there are lots of things to consider. My last two rescues had major issues, BUT my DH and I chose them before we had kids and when we were young and naive about what makes a wise choice of dog. I sorted a super anxious dog and thought it was cute that he was anxious. I adored him his whole life but having an anxious dog is tough, and I would. It make that choice now. I am much better equipped to make a sound decision. Not all rescues or shelters are created equal. But where I live, in New England, there are a ton of rescues bringing dogs from the south and we are definitely not limited to pit mixes. Beautiful black labs are always available, for example,and yellow labs too.

That said, after researching reputable breeders of GSDs, I came away very impressed with what they do. They work their dogs and are so devoted to the breed, and to their customers, who they provide with lifetime support. If you want a dog for a purpose, like competition, or hunting, or protection work, etc...going to a reputable breeder makes all the difference. But it is crazy expensive. 2500 minimum for a puppy with health clearances, plus you are responsible for all shots, spaying/neutering, etc.

So I can see both sides. We should be able to discuss the pros and cons, because they exist on both sides

[Anonymous]

I feel like this article should be re-posted:

https://slate.com/human-interest/2012/01/animal-rescue-want-to-adopt-a-dog-or-cat-prepare-for-an-inquisition.html

[Anonymous]

Easily. There is virtually no overlap between the responsible breeding market and the secondhand "rescue" market, with the "rescue" market targeting non-serious dog owners, while the responsible market targets serious dog owners who do things with their dogs, such as training and sports.

I sleep very easily at night, because I contribute in no way to the breeding of unwanted dogs in the deep South, I am a responsible owner who is not a menace to my community and, indeed, if I could not have a well-bred dog of a breed of my choice, I would not own a dog.

Buying a dog is a big decision that I do not take lightly, unlike buyers in a certain other market segment. While others may choose to buy their dog secondhand (because very few dog owners jumped in the river and rescued a dog), I choose to responsible dog ownership.

A better question is, how can those who purchased a dog who was previously surrendered for behavioural issues sleep at night if it harms an innocent person or pet?

[Anonymous]

If you do not buy from a breeder then that pup will be put in a high kill shelter. So I prefer to save the pup all the additional trauma and buy from breeder.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you do not buy from a breeder then that pup will be put in a high kill shelter. So I prefer to save the pup all the additional trauma and buy from breeder.

You bumped a 2018 thread for this? Seriously?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I buy the purebred dogs I like. I could not care less whether you or anybody else looks down your righteously indignant snotty nose at me. And I sleep just fine.

Build the wall! Build the wall!

No difference between the two. You're the dog equivalent of a Trump supporter. You care only about yourself.

NP. I voted for Trump AND bought a labradoodle puppy.

Np yikes are you going to vote for the dictator again?